Basic Info It is famous for its art, food, and architecture. The Vatican, which is recognized as a state by the United Nation, is located in Rome, Italy’s capital. Italy has only been a nation since the 19th century; before, the cities were all city-states, each having their own governments and cultures.Role of Women Until the 20th century, women were only expected to give birth to children and raise them. In the Renaissance era, women had fewer rights in comparison the women of the Middle Ages. They were not allowed to read; only lucky and wealthy women were able to be educated. Women stayed at home and were not allowed to read unless they became nuns. In the 1970’s Italian women burned their bras in protest, much like the American women in that time. Now, Italian women have the same rights as most Western countries, such as the United States. The traditional view of women staying at home to raise children still exists, but more in Southern Italy in comparison to the Northern half of the country.Education In modern Italy, women make up 60% of all Italian University graduates. Women are respected in all academic fields, even fields that were once male dominant.